Along with millions of Cubans, 57-year-old vice president Miguel Diaz-Canel voted to ratify a government-approved list of members of the National Assembly, which convenes April 19. Diaz-Canel, who is expected to assume Raul Castro's seat as president that day, said the country's next government will be more responsive to its people.

Miguel Diaz-Canel told reporters in the central city of Santa Clara that "the people will participate in the decisions that the government takes."

"The people can also recall someone who doesn't fulfill their responsibilities," Diaz-Canel said. "There has to be a focus on ties to, links with, the people, to listen to the people, deeply investigate the problems that exist and inspire debates about those problems."